Independent restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You is set to start removing the use of plastic straws across all its restaurants in the US from this autumn.

With this initiative, the restaurant chain joins more than 100 Chicago-based restaurants and bars in the ‘Shedd the Straw’ campaign of Shedd Aquarium.

The company has taken this decision in an effort to reduce its environmental footprint. It plans to use natural alternatives such as paper and hay, as well as biodegradable plastic straws across its 120 restaurants in nine US states.

“Logistically it’s much more difficult than you might think. There’s truly not enough supply.”

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises president RJ Melman was quoted by the Chicago Tribunal as saying: “There’s always going to be some pushback, but that’s how change happens, right? Hopefully our customers understand that we’re doing what we think is right.

“I’m very sympathetic to [McDonald’s] position. Logistically it’s much more difficult than you might think. There’s truly not enough supply.”

Lettuce currently owns, manages and licences various restaurant brands such as R.J. Grunts, M Burger, Wow Bao and Everest.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Shedd Aquarium started the ‘Shedd the Straw’ campaign to enable restaurants in Chicago to remove single-use plastic straws, as well as raise public awareness of plastic pollution.